Ah the summer holidays! A time children look forward to with jubilant glee… only for it to arrive along with a sudden barrage of “I’m boreddddd,” declared every five minutes. However, for those attending the Belgrade’s two annual week-long summer schools (week one for ages 8-12, and week two for 11-16s), the holiday restlessness becomes a thing of the past, giving young people the brilliant chance to develop their performance and collaboration skills, while creating an original piece of theatre to share with friends and family.
With this year’s summer school fast approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to look back at all the fun had by last year’s participants, and explore the moments that gave each young person the opportunity to shine. With new friends to meet and exciting activities to get stuck into, each week flew by, leaving many wanting to return as soon as possible.
After summer school, we sat down with a few of the young people to hear their thoughts:
1. Who are you (first names and age) and what have you been attending this week at the Belgrade?
Harmony: I’m Harmony, and I attended Belgrade Summer School, and it was actually more fun than I expected!
Jack: I am Jack, and I have been attending Summer School…which was not as boring as it sounds, it was very fun!
Saachi: I’m Saachi, and I attended Summer School and yeah, it was very fun.
Sharday: I’m Sharday, and we’ve been acting and performing this week, and just having fun and getting to know new people.
2. Have you been to the Belgrade before and if so, what for? Did you watch a show? Are you a part of one of our theatre groups? Is this your first time at the Belgrade?
Sharday: Yeah, I’ve been to the Belgrade before. I started coming here with my friends last year, and we worked with you (Katherine) and Mel and Matt and Lukan, and we made a film called Murder on the Dancefloor.
Jack: Nope! First time.
Saachi: No, I’d never been to the Belgrade before.
Harmony: Yeeeees. The first time, well I can’t remember the year but I joined a class on a Saturday I think. And then after that, I think I did one that was like in lockdown time so it was digital. And then I did one from last year to this year with Belgrade HUBS and I performed.
3. Tell us a little bit about what you did each day during the week here at Summer School.
Jack: We did some performing activities and some group work, and putting ideas forward, and meeting new people…and having fun!
Saachi: We did a lot of acting, a new experience for me. It was really fun meeting new people, and yeah, just having a great time in general.
Harmony: We’ve been doing activities and putting ideas forward for the play, which was kind of surprising, how we’ve had some free rein over the play and how it would turn out.
Sharday: We’ve been doing acting and performing and I’ve just really enjoyed it and really loved being back.
4. Who are your group leaders and what are they like?
Sharday: The group leaders are Katherine, John and Lucy, and you’ve been the best.
Jack: I like you
Harmony: Me too
Saachi: Me too
(giggling from everyone)
“If you had to describe summer school in three words what would they be?" "Amazing, generous and kind…and thoughtful. That’s four!”
5. What has been your favourite part of this year’s Summer School?
Sharday: My favourite part was when Lucy asked us to get together and say one thing each that we are thankful for, and mine was my rabbit!
Jack: I liked having fun with new people, and getting the experience of doing collaborative work with people who I haven’t really had a long time to get to know, and it’s been kinda like we’re on the spot, but that kind of makes me like it more, because it’s surprising and you never know what’s going to happen next.
Saachi: I liked a lot of things, so it’s hard to pick, but I liked when we made the trailers for the show we hadn’t created yet, on, I think it was Day 1, on Monday.
Harmony: I think my favourite part was the concept of the play, and specifically the game show scene we made. I feel like it’s really fun and I definitely think the audience will like it – and I don’t even know the people that are coming who aren’t my family, but they’re gonna really like it!
6. If you had to describe summer school in three words what would they be?
Sharday: Amazing, generous and kind…and thoughtful. That’s four!
Jack: New…interesting…and…fun.
Saachi: Enthusiastic, fun and different.
Harmony: New, surprising and enjoyable.
7. How do you feel now that the week is coming to an end? Do you feel more confident? Have you made a new friend? Have you learnt any new skills? Have you had lots of fun?
Sharday: I feel very sad because I’ve really enjoyed it. When I finished the Belgrade last time when I came, it was very sad, so to get the opportunity to come back has been amazing.
Jack: I feel, erm, tired. But I think it’s worth it, I think it’s worth every yawn!
Harmony: I feel like the same as Jack. I’m tired, but it was worth it, especially because I just recently did something at Belgrade, and I thought ‘ah, I won’t get to do that again’ but, then I did this, and it was really fun.
Jack: It’s gone so fast as well.
Saachi: Yeah when I realized it was Friday, I was kinda sad because I wished it could go back to Monday, but I feel like I’ve had a great experience, and I hope that I’ll be doing it again next time.
Booking is now open for this year’s two summer schools, which take place on Mon 4 – Fri 8 Aug (ages 8-12) and Mon 11-Fri 15 Aug (ages 11-16). Places are limited, so early booking is recommended to guarantee your summer fun!
Got a Question?
We are committed to making sure that Summer School is inclusive and accessible for everyone. Please email communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk if you need any additional information about the programme.
